Among Seattle’s great neighborhoods are a dozen monthly Artwalks, and they’re ready for holiday shoppers! All types of media are featured, but most Artwalks also have music, food and special events, too. Artwalk hours are from 6-9 pm unless otherwise noted. Below is a timeline of what’s happening when during December, as well as when Artwalks are held year-round. Click on the neighborhood name for their weblink.

December 1st (first Wednesdays)

Wallingford – One of the largest of the neighborhood art walks, most located right on 45th St N.

December 2nd (first Thursdays)

Pioneer Square – This venue is so big, it’s best to check their website where you can choose what kind of art you’re searching for.

Chinatown – This month, they also have Shop-o-Rama events on Saturdays from December 4-18.

December 3rd (first Fridays)

Fremont– You don’t need a First Friday to party at Fremont, but this month also hosts the Annual Lenin Lighting! Join the fun at 5 pm and stay for shopping at many venues.

December 9th (second Thursdays)

Capitol Hill –Hours for the Blitz Capitol Hill Arts Walk runs from 5-8 pm. Wander around more than 50 venues, with activities varying every month.

West Seattle– Over 60 merchants covering West Seattle Junction, Alki Beach, Admiral District, Morgan Junction, Fauntleroy District and Delridge. This month’s hours are extended for late night shopping.

We have recently been given a press release from Pryde + Johnson regarding another bulk buy sales strategy for LEED Silver (targeted) built Hjarta in Ballard and Florera in Greenlake – units will be sold at up to 35% off original pricing in an alternative to auctions.

“We’re meeting the market on price and are committed to selling through as condominiums,” said Curt Pryde, principal of Pryde + Johnson and developer of both Hjarta and Florera Condominiums. “Homebuyers will also benefit from our preferred selection, FHA financing (3.5% down payment), today’s low interest rates and other limited-time incentives such as Federal tax credits up to $8,000 (for purchases contracted before April 30, 2010).”

As we understand it, several dozen sales have been generated to date using the sales strategy at The Decatur and Eleven Eleven East Pike. Rather than slowly lowering prices over a longer period of time (which seems systemic at many projects), Realogics was able convince the developer and their lender to explore more dramatic cuts in hopes of garnering quicker sales. The block of sales also helps shore up FHA financing and unit appraisals. In theory, this establishes a stabilized market value for the remaining sales while resolves a common concern amongst “wait and see” buyers that prices will drop further after buying. Hjarta and Florera will be undergoing a similar strategy and should offer some great deals for those who take advantage.

Pryde + Johnson appears to be motivated to sell now so buyers can take advantage of the extended homebuyer tax credit, and today’s historically low rates. Since rates will soon begin to climb, and the homebuyer tax credit will soon expire, these are exceptional opportunities for buyers who are interested in living outside the urban core, but within one of two prime urban neighborhoods. The official sales release will begin on March 27 but you can preview in advance – open houses will be scheduled for each weekend or by appointment. March 27th is the same weekend as Escala reintroduces sales at price drops and 5th & Madison auctions their remaining inventory so it should be a marketplace as buyers hunt down bargains.

Disclaimer: These projects are listings of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s “special projects” division, which is affiliated but independent of the “resale” division co-founded by James Stroupe and Moira Holley.

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